Compact disc storage pack

ABSTRACT

A storage package for compact discs and the like has a plurality of non-plastic panels including a pair of end panels and optionally at least one panel intermediate to and connecting the pair of end panels. The plurality of panels is movable between an open orientation enabling access to the contents of the package and a collapsed orientation for storage purposes, each of the panels having a pair of opposed lateral sidewalls, and the plurality of panels in the collapsed orientation defining at least one spine. A holder formed of plastic is disposed on one of the panels for receiving and maintaining a compact disc thereon. An end cap is disposed on one of the end panels or pivotally on the holder, the end cap being adapted to releasably engage the holder when the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation, thereby to preclude accidental movement of the plurality of panels out of the collapsed orientation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 07/807,477, filed Dec. 12, 1991, itself a Continuation-In-Partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/698,201 filed May 10, 1991.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging and, more particularly, topackaging for a compact disc or the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,812 discloses packaging for a compact disc (CD) orthe like which is formed of a plastic CD holder for releasable receivingand holding a CD and a plurality of interconnected non-plastic(typically paperboard) panels which are moveable between an openposition where the CD holder and any compact disc thereon are accessibleand a collapsed orientation for storage wherein the various panelsoverlap and protect the CD. The packaging uses less plastic than thewell known jewel box (which is formulated almost entirely in plastic),and the plastic which it does use, as well as the paperboard, may beboth recycled and recyclable. Nonetheless this packaging has not provento be entirely satisfactory in use.

As no provision is made for securing the packaging in its collapsedorientation for storage, the packaging can accidentally become opened(i.e., the plurality of panels moved to its open orientation), thusexposing the compact disc to dirt, fingerprints, and the like. Also, theholder has a face which is approximately the same size as, or evensmaller than, the paperboard panels so that the edges of the latter arecoextensive with or even project outwardly from the holder with theresult that they are susceptible to dog-earing, fraying crushing andlike disfigurement due to handling. Further, although the spine of thepackaging in its collapsed orientation typically contains importantidentifying information (such as the nature of the matter recorded onthe CD) intended to be viewable when the packaging is storedappropriately against like CD packages with only the package edgesvisible, no protection is provided for the spine so that, with continuedhandling of the packaging, the spine is subject to deterioration, andwith it the identifying information thereon. (This is a special problemsince in certain storage devices only the spine is exposed to the viewerand, therefore, the viewer has to forcibly grasp the spine and utilizeit in order to separate the desired packaging from the remainder of thepackaging in the same storage device.) Where the packaging contains asecondary spine opposite the primary spine, the secondary spine is alsosubject to dog-earing and the like even though this is of lesserimportance than in the case of the primary spine since the secondaryspine rarely contains identifying information of importance to the user.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providepackaging for a compact disc or the like which includes means formaintaining the packaging in its closed orientation.

Another object is to provide such packaging which includes means toprevent dog-earing, fraying or like destruction of the spine.

A further object is to provide such packaging which includes means toprevent dog-earing, fraying or like destruction of the exposed sidewalledges of the paperboard panels.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such packagingwhich is ecologically sound, being composed substantially of recycledand/or recyclable plastic and paperboard.

It is another object to provide such packaging which is simple andeconomical to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that the above and related objects of the presentinvention are obtained in packaging for a compact disc or the likecomprising a plurality of non-plastic panels including a pair of endpanels and optionally at least one panel intermediate to and connectingthe pair of end panels. The plurality of panels is movable between anopen orientation enabling access to the contents of the package and acollapsed orientation for storage purposes. Each of the panels has apair of opposed lateral sidewalls, and the plurality of panels in thecollapsed orientation defines at least one spine. A holder formed ofplastic is disposed on one of the panels for receiving and maintaining acompact disc thereon. An end cap formed of plastic is disposed on one ofthe end panels, the end cap being adapted to releasably engage theholder when the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation,thereby to preclude accidental movement of the plurality of panels outof the collapsed orientation. Preferably the plurality of panels isformed of paperboard.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of panels in the openorientation has no panel overlying the panel on which the holder isdisposed, thereby enabling access to the holder and any compact discthereon, and in the collapsed orientation has each of the panelsoverlapping one another, thereby to provide a compact package forstorage. The holder is disposed on a panel adjacent the one end panel onwhich the end cap is disposed. When the plurality of panels includes atleast one intermediate panel, the holder is disposed on one of theintermediate panels which is immediately adjacent the one end panel.When the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation, the otherof the end panels and any other of the intermediate panels are disposedintermediate the one end panel and the one intermediate panel.

Typically in the preferred embodiment, the end cap is generally U-shapedand has a pair of upstanding opposed lateral sidewalls defining engagingmeans and a bight or shank portion connecting the same; and the holderhas a generally planar and generally rectangular body and a pair ofopposed lateral sidewalls defining engaging means adapted to engagecooperatively with the end cap engaging means.

When the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation, the endcap bight portion extends over one spine of the package to protect thesame, the end cap bight portion extending over the spine beingtransparent to enable viewing of any material printed on the spine. Theend cap extends upwardly from the panel on which it is disposed tooverlap the holder when the plurality of panels is in the collapsedorientation, and also extends downwardly from the panel on which it isdisposed sufficiently to overlap and protect adjacent edges thereof.Thus, the end cap extends upwardly and downwardly sufficiently tooverlap and protect adjacent portions of the opposed lateral sidewallsand one end of the plurality of panels when the plurality of panels isin the collapsed orientation.

The holder sidewalls extend upwardly above the plane of the holder bodyfor a major length thereof (the holder engaging means being disposed onthe remainder of the length thereof) and downwardly below the plane ofthe holder body for substantially the entire length thereof. Moreparticularly, the holder sidewalls extend downwardly below the plane ofthe holder body at least the thickness of the panel on which the holderis disposed and, for the major length thereof, upwardly from the planeof the holder body at least the thickness of the remainder of the panelswhen the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation, thereby tooverlap and protect the sidewalls of the plurality of panels in thecollapsed orientation. Thus, the holder sidewalls extend upwardly anddownwardly relative to the plane of the holder body to cover both thesidewalls of the panel on which it is disposed and, in cooperation withthe sidewalls of the end cap, the sidewalls of the other of the panelswhen the plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation.

Additionally, when the plurality of panels is in the open orientation,the holder sidewalls extend beyond the holder body toward the one endpanel on which the end cap is disposed sufficiently that, when theplurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation, the holdersidewalls overlap and protect the sidewalls of the spine not covered bythe end cap.

Preferably each of the holder and the end cap defines abutment meansadapted to abut one another and limit relative movement in a givendirection, thereby to limit the pressure exertable by the end cap on theholder body. The abutment means are optimally on the sidewalls of theholder and the end cap.

The present invention further encompasses a storage package for compactdiscs and the like having a hinged end cap. The package comprises aplurality of non-plastic panels, a plastic holder and a plastic end cap.The plurality of non-plastic (typically paperboard) panels includes apair of end panels and optionally at least one panel intermediate to andconnecting the pair of end panels. The plurality of panels is movablebetween an open orientation enabling access to the contents of thepackage and a collapsed orientation for storage purposes. Each of thepanels has a pair of opposed lateral sidewalls. The holder formed ofplastic is disposed on one of the end panels for receiving andmaintaining a compact disc thereon, the holder having one end thereofremote from the other of the end panels when the plurality of panels arein the open orientation. The end cap formed of plastic has one endthereof directly pivotally secured to the one end of the holder. The endcap also has a portion thereof (spaced from the one end thereof) adaptedto releasably engage the holder at a portion thereof spaced from the oneend of the holder when the plurality of panels is in the collapsedorientation and to maintain the plurality of panels in the collapsedorientation, thereby to preclude accidental movement of the plurality ofpanels out of the collapsed orientation.

Generally in the hinged end cap form of the invention, the plurality ofpanels in the open orientation has no panel overlying the panel on whichthe holder is disposed, thereby enabling access to the holder and anycompact disc thereon, and in the collapsed orientation has each of thepanels overlapping one another, thereby to provide a compact package forstorage. The end cap is generally U-shaped and has a pair of upstandingopposed lateral sidewalls defining engaging means and a connectingportion connecting the same, and the holder has a generally planar andgenerally rectangular body and a pair of opposed lateral sidewallsdefining engaging means adapted to engage cooperatively with the end capengaging means. Each of the holder and the end cap defines abutmentmeans adapted to abut one another and limit relative movement in a givendirection, thereby to limit the pressure exertable by the end cap on theholder body. Preferably the abutment means are on the sidewalls of theholder and the end cap.

In one variant, the holder sidewalls extend upwardly above the plane ofthe holder body for a major length thereof, with the holder engagingmeans being disposed on the remainder of the length of the holder body,but in another variant the holder sidewalls so extend upwardly for theentire length of the holder body, with the holder engaging means beingdisposed on the holder sidewalls. The holder sidewalls extend downwardlybelow the plane of the holder body for substantially the entire lengththereof. More particularly, the holder sidewalls extend downwardly belowthe plane of the holder body at least the thickness of the panel onwhich the holder is disposed and, for the major or entire lengththereof, upwardly from the plane of the holder body at least thethickness of the remainder of the panels when the plurality of panels isin the collapsed orientation, thereby to overlap and protect thesidewalls of the plurality of panels in the collapsed orientation. Thusthe holder sidewalls extend upwardly and downwardly relative to theplane of the holder body to cover both the sidewalls of the panel onwhich it is disposed and, either alone or in cooperation with thesidewalls of the end cap, the sidewalls of the other of the panels whenthe plurality of panels is in the collapsed orientation.

In one embodiment, the end cap is directly pivotally secured to theholder by a living hinge which extends substantially the entire width ofthe holder. The end cap and the holder are of a unitary, integral,one-piece construction formed in a single molding operation, preferablyof polypropylene.

In another preferred embodiment, the end cap is directly pivotallysecured to the holder by a spaced pair of pin-and-hole hinges, each ofthe hinges being disposed at an opposite side of the holder. The end capmay be a different color than the holder.

The end cap preferably extends upwardly and downwardly sufficiently tooverlap and protect adjacent portions of the opposed lateral sidewallsof the plurality of panels when the plurality of panels is in thecollapsed orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The above and related objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative,embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank useful for the paperboard portionof packaging for a compact disc or the like according to a three panelfirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the packaging according to the firstembodiment, the packaging being illustrated in the open orientation;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof, to a slightly enlarged scale, in anintermediate orientation between the open and closed orientations;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 5, but with a panelalso being illustrated in phantom line in an intermediate positionpartially, but not fully, folded over;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the packaging in the closed orientation;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7, but with anotherpanel being illustrated in phantom line in an intermediate positionpartially, but not fully, folded over;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a two-panel second embodiment ofthe packaging of the present invention in the open orientation;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the two-panel packaging in theclosed orientation, but with one panel being shown in phantom line in anintermediate position partially, but not fully, folded over the otherpanel;

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are sectional views, to an enlarged scale, takenalong the lines 11--11, 12--12, 13--13 and 14--14 respectively, of FIG.8;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a blank useful for the paperboard portionof packaging for a four-panel third embodiment of the packagingaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the packaging according to a three-panelliving hinge fourth embodiment of the present invention, the packagingbeing illustrated in the open orientation and the folded portions of theblank prior to folding being illustrated in phantom line;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view thereof, but with an end panel alsobeing illustrated in phantom line in an intermediate position partially,but not fully, folded over;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view thereof to a slightly enlarged scale, in theclosed orientation;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 19, but with twopanels being illustrated in phantom line in an intermediate positionpartially, but not fully, folded over;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the packaging according to a two-panelpin-and-hole hinge fifth embodiment of the present invention, thepackaging being illustrated in the open orientation and the foldedportion of the blank prior to folding being illustrated in phantom line;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view thereof, to a slightly enlarged scale, in theclosed orientation, with portions thereof broken away to reveal detailsof the internal construction; and

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a storage package for compact discs and thelike. Encompassed by the term "computer discs and the like" areCD-ROM's, diskettes, and the like, which may be blank or prerecorded andmay contain or be adapted to contain music, words, images, binary data,and the like as well as combinations thereof.

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIGS. 2-8 thereof,therein illustrated is a storage pack according to the presentinvention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The storagepack 10 is composed of a plurality of non-plastic panels generallydesignated 12, a holder formed of plastic generally designated 14, andan end cap formed of plastic generally designated 16. Unlike theall-plastic jewel box conventionally used for the storage of CD's, thepackaging of the present invention is to a large degree formed of thenon-plastic panels 12, the latter preferably being formed of paperboardwhich readily decomposes under landfill conditions and is thus moreecologically acceptable than plastic. Moreover, both the paperboard andplastic components of the present invention may be made from recycledmaterials and are themselves recyclable, thereby rendering the packagenot only ecologically but also economically sound.

While FIGS. 2-8 illustrate a three-panel embodiment of a packageaccording to the present invention, similar packages utilizing theprinciple of the present invention may be formed from fewer panels (seethe two-panel second embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10) or more panels (seethe five-panel third embodiment of FIG. 13, by way of example).

Referring now to FIG. 1 in particular, the plurality of non-plasticpanels 12 may be formed from a prescored, preprinted unitary blank orsheet generally designated 20. The blank 20 is preferably divided intorows. The first row 22 has a number of rectangular sections equal to thenumber of panels in the plurality (here, three): namely, the sections22a, 22b and 22c. The three sections 22a, 22b, 22c in the first row 22are separated from each other by strips 24 having a width which is smallrelative to the width of the sections, the strips being bounded byfoldlines 26. As will become apparent hereinafter, the width of thestrips 24 will be determined by the need of the strip to accommodate thegap between adjacent rectangular sections 22 when the plurality ofpanels 12 is disposed in a collapsed orientation for storage purposes,with each of the panels 12 being in overlapping relationship.

For reasons of economy, the blank 20 is typically multi-color printed ononly one surface thereof, although it is desirable for aesthetic reasonsthat both major surfaces of the panels 12 which will be exposed to viewbe multi-color printed. The opposed surface of the blank 20 is typicallyeither left in its original color or printed with only a single color.Accordingly, the blank 20 preferably also has a second row 28 composedof one or more unconnected rectangular sections such as section 28a.Accordingly, when rectangular sections 22a and 28a are both multi-colorprinted on only one surface, one is then folded over a foldline 30therebetween so as to be in overlapping relationship and define a panel(here panel 12a of FIG. 2) with the multi-color printed surfaces of thesections exposed and the non-multi-color printed surfaces glued togetherand thus hidden from view.

Preferably, for a variety of reasons, there is no section in the secondrow 28 adjacent the section 22b, which is adapted to receive the holder14. First, since section panel 22b will have one surface totally coveredby the holder 14, there is no aesthetic reason for having an adjacentsection in the row 28. Second, the non-multi-color-printed or non-coatedsurface of section 22b enables the holder 14 to be better securedthereto than it would be to a multi-color-printed surface. Third, themissing section is not necessary to impart additional strength andrigidity to the section 22b (as it would if the missing section andsection 22b were folded over and glued together) since section 22b issubsequently strengthened and rigidified by the presence thereon of theholder 14. Fourth, the missing section would unnecessarily increase thethickness of the entire package in its collapsed orientation, this beinga particular problem where the package is intended to occupy the samevolume as a conventional jewel box (for example, to enable the use ofexisting storage facilities for conventional jewel-box CD packaging).

A rectangular section, similar to section 28a of the second row 28, maybe placed in the second row adjacent the section 22c of the first row,with a foldline 30 being disposed therebetween. In this case the section28c may be folded over the foldline 30 and glued to its adjacent section22c in the same manner as section 28a is folded over and glued toadjacent section 22a to form a panel. However, as it is frequentlydesirable to place removable literature within the CD packaging (such asa booklet describing the prerecorded matter, the creation of the matter,the artist, instructions for use, or the like), the section 28c may beglued to the section 22c only at the two lateral ends thereof (the endof section 22c adjacent section 22b and the free end thereof) so as todefine with section 28c a panel 12c (see FIG. 2) having an open-toppocket into which such literature or booklet may be stored. Tofacilitate access to the pocket, this section 28c is preferably somewhatin the configuration of a right-angle trapezoid rather than a rectangle,with the free long end of section 28c being glued to the free end ofsection 22c and preferably the free short end of section 28c being gluedto the end of section 22c adjacent section 22b.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the plurality of non-plastic panels 12 formedfrom the blank 20 (after folding and gluing of the sections of thesecond row 28 to adjacent sections of the first row 22) include a pairof end panels 12a and 12c and optionally (as illustrated in FIG. 3) atleast one panel 12b intermediate to and connecting the pair of endpanels 12a, 12c. The plurality of non-plastic panels 12 further definesa pair of opposed free ends 18 and a pair of opposed lateral sidewalls19. Panel 12b is, of course, composed only of section 22b.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 as well, the plurality of panels 12 ismovable between an open orientation enabling access to the contents ofthe package (see FIGS. 2-4), through an intermediate orientation (seeFIGS. 5-6) wherein some of the panels (e.g., panels 12b, 12c asillustrated) are overlapping, and a collapsed orientation for storagepurposes (see FIGS. 7-8) wherein all of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c areoverlapping. In other words, in the open orientation there is no paneloverlying the panel 12b on which the holder 14 is disposed, therebyenabling access to the holder 14 and any compact disc thereon, and inthe collapsed orientation each of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c overlaps oneanother, thereby to provide a compact package for storage. The pluralityof panels 12 in the collapsed orientation defines a pair of opposedspines 32, 34 for the package (see FIG. 8), a first spine 32 composedprimarily of the fold 24 intermediate panels 12a, 12b and a second spine34 at the opposite end formed by the fold 24 intermediate panels 22b,22c and the free end of panel 12a.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 in particular, the holder 14 preferablycomprises an injection molded plastic element which differs inparticular respects from the holder found in the conventional prior artjewel box. The holder 14 is disposed on the panel 12 adjacent the endpanel on which the end cap 16 is disposed (here, end panel 12a) and,where there is at least one intermediate panel (here, intermediate panel22b), the holder is disposed on one of the intermediate panels 22b whichis immediately adjacent the one end panel 22a to which the end cap 16 issecured. When the plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientationillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the other end panel 12c and any otherintermediate panels (not present in the three-panel embodiment) aredisposed intermediate the one end panel 12a bearing the end cap 16, andthe one intermediate panel 12b bearing the holder 14.

In its conventional aspects, the holder 14 has a generally planarrectangular body 40 defining a recess 42 on the exposed surface thereofconfigured and dimensioned to receive the centrally apertured CD (whichis typically approximately 4.7 inches in outer diameter). The depth ofthe recess 42 is sufficient to ensure that the upper surface of the CDdoes not extend above the surface of the holder body 40 about the recess42. A retaining element 44 is centrally disposed in recess 42,projecting upwardly therefrom, for retaining the CD in holder 14. Any ofthe conventional means for providing frictional engagement between theretaining element 44 and the inner circumference of the CD may beused--for example, upstanding pliable plastic tabs such as those used inthe holder of the conventional jewel box to frictionally engage theinner circumference of the central hole of the CD and thus hold the CDin place. Additionally, a plurality of finger slots or recesses 46 (twobeing illustrated) are preferably provided so that the user can slide afinger below the edge of the CD while simultaneously exerting a slightdownward force on the retaining means 44 to facilitate disengagement ofthe CD from retaining element 44 for removal of the CD from the recess42. The finger recesses 46 are preferably disposed at opposite ends of adiameter of the holder recess 42 extending from end to end of holder 14,for example, parallel to the sidewalls 50 thereof.

The holder 14 further includes a pair of opposed lateral sidewallsgenerally designated 50, disposed slightly outwardly from the sidewalls19 on panel 22b on which it is disposed. Each holder sidewall 50includes a first portion 52 which extends substantially upwardly abovethe plane of the holder body 42 for a major length of the holdersidewall length (at least half thereof) and a second portion 54 whichextends the remaining length 54 of the holder sidewall and does notextend appreciably above the surface of the holder body 40. Each secondportion 54 defines, for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter,engaging means 72 adapted to releasably engage the end cap 16.Additionally, holder sidewalls 50 extend appreciably downwardly belowthe plane of the holder body 42 for substantially the entire lengththereof. More particularly, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, the holdersidewalls 50 extend downwardly below the plane of the holder body 40 atleast the thickness of the panel 12b on which the holder 14 is disposedand, for the major length thereof, upwardly from the plane of the holderbody 40 at least the thickness of the remainder 12a, 12c of the panelswhen the plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation. Thus,the holder sidewalls 50 essentially overlap and protect the sidewalls 19of the plurality of panels 12a, 12 b, 12c in the collapsed orientation.As will become apparent hereinafter, the only portion of the panelsidewalls 19 not protected by the holder sidewalls 50 (because theraised holder sidewalls 52 extend only a major portion of the lengththereof) are protected by the end cap 16. Accordingly, the holdersidewalls 50 extend upwardly and downwardly relative to the plane of theholder body 40 to cover both the sidewalls 19 of panel 12b on which itis disposed (at all times) and, in cooperation with the sidewalls of theend cap 16, the sidewalls 19 of the other of the panels 12a, 12c (whenthe plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation).

Referring now to FIG. 2 in particular, when the plurality of panels 12is in the open orientation, the holder sidewalls 50 extend toward theone end panel 12a on which the end cap 16 is disposed sufficiently that,when the plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation, asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, holder sidewalls 50 overlap and protectthe sidewalls of the spine 32 not covered by the end cap 16.

The end cap 16 is preferably comprised as an injection molded plasticelement disposed on one of the end panels (here illustrated as panel12a). The end cap 16 is adapted to releasably engage the holder 14 whenthe plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation, thereby topreclude accidental movement of the plurality of panels out of thecollapsed orientation. End cap 16 is generally U-shaped and has a pairof upstanding opposed lateral sidewalls 60 and a bight portion 62connecting the same. Bight portion 62 includes an upstanding end wall 64configured and dimensioned to cover the spine 34 when the plurality ofpanels 12 is in the collapsed orientation, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8. With the exception of the upstanding end wall 64 of the bight portion62 of end cap 14, all of the plastic components of the present inventionmay be opaque or translucent and are typically black. The upstanding endwall 64 is, however, preferably transparent to enable viewing of anymaterial printed or otherwise disposed on the spine 34, such as anidentification of the compact disc disposed within the packaging 10.This permits the contents of the packaging to be determined even whenboth faces thereof are covered by like packaging, e.g., in a packagestorage device. Thus the end wall 64 is typically, although notnecessarily, formed of virgin plastic to obtain the desiredtransparency.

The end cap sidewalls 60 and bight end wall 64 extend upwardly from thepanel 12a on which the end cap 16 is disposed so as to overlap theholder 14 when the plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsedorientation. To this end, in that orientation the end cap sidewalls 60are disposed in the same plane as the raised holder sidewall portions52, both extending slightly beyond the panel sidewalls 19. The length ofthe end cap sidewalls 60 corresponds to the length of the non-raisedsidewall portions 54 of the holder sidewalls 50 so that, when theplurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the end cap sidewalls 60 cooperate with the holdersidewalls 50 to cover and protect the sidewalls 19 of the panelstherebetween. Additionally, the end cap 16 also extends downwardly frompanel 12a on which it is disposed sufficiently to overlap and protectthe adjacent edges thereof--namely, the free end 18 and portions of thesidewalls 19 of panel 12a. Thus, the end cap extends upwardly anddownwardly sufficiently to overlap and protect the adjacent portions ofthe opposed lateral sidewalls 19 of the panels 12 as well as the spine34 when the plurality of panels 12 is in the collapsed orientation.

The end cap sidewalls 60 define engagement means 70 adapted toreleasably engage cooperating engagement means 72 on holder sidewallportions 54. As illustrated, the end cap engaging means 70 isillustrated as an inwardly extending recess on the inner surface of eachend cap sidewall 60, and the holder engaging means 72 is illustrated asan outwardly extending projection on the outer surface of an end capsidewall portion 54, the recess 70 being adapted to receive andreleasably maintain a projection 72 therein, thereby to precludeaccidental opening of the package (that is, accidental movement of theplurality of panels 12 out of the collapsed orientation). Clearly,however, the recess 70 could be on the holder sidewall portion 54, andthe projection 72 could be on the end cap sidewall portion 60; indeed,easily releasable engagement means other than a recess-and-projectionsystem may be substituted.

In order to limit the pressure exerted by end cap 16 on holder body 40,and thus on any compact disc disposed within holder recess 42, holder 14defines abutment means 80 in the form of a lug extending outwardly fromeach sidewall portion 54 thereof adjacent the end of the holder 14, andeach sidewall 60 on the end cap 16 defines an abutment means 84 in theform of a recess 82. The holder abutment means 80 and the end capabutment means 84 are adapted to abut one another when the plurality ofpanels 12 is in the collapsed orientation, thereby to limit relativemovement of the holder 14 and end cap 16 relative to one another in agiven direction.

To use the packaging in its open orientation, a compact disc is placedwithin the recess 42 of holder 14, on the retainer 44 thereof, and thepackaging is then moved from its open orientation (illustrated in FIGS.2 through 4) into its intermediate orientation (illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6) by moving the panel 12c in the direction of arrow 90, and finallyinto its closed orientation (illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8) by movingpanel 12a in the direction of arrow 92. In this closed orientation, theholder sidewalls 50 in cooperation with the end cap 16 protect the panelsidewalls 19 and the spines 32, 34. The transparent end cap wall 64protects the spine 34 covered by end cap 16 while permitting viewingthereof, and the ends of holder sidewalls 50 projecting laterally beyondthe holder body portion 40 protect the edges of the spine 32 not ucovered by the end cap 16. The end cap 16 and the holder 14 cooperate tomaintain the package in a collapsed orientation wherein the sidewalls ofthe various panels are fully protected against dogearing, fraying andthe like.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, therein illustrated is a secondembodiment 10' of the present invention having only two panels 12a' and12b'. Holder 14' is disposed on end panel 12b' and end cap 16' isdisposed on end panel 12a'. In its functional aspects the package 10' isidentical to the threepanel package of embodiment 10 except that thewidth of the strip 24 may be slightly reduced since there is no panelakin to panel 12c to be accommodated between panels 12a' and 12b' and,for the same reason, the upstanding elements of end cap 16' (sidewalls60' and end wall 64') and holder 14' (raised sidewalls 52') may bereduced in height.

Referring now to FIG. 15, therein illustrated is a third embodiment 20"of a blank used to form a four-panel packaging according to the presentinvention. The rectangular sections 22a", 22b", 22c" of the first row22" and rectangular section 28a" of the second row 28" are similar tosections 22a, 22b, 22c of the first row and section 28a of the secondrow, respectively, of the blank 20 of the first embodiment 10. Theadditional panels 22d" of the first row and 28c" and 28d" of the secondrow are simply provided in order to define more printing area--e.g., foradditional information pertinent to the subject matter of the compactdisc or even simply even unrelated advertising. Although end sections22a" and 22d" of the first row are shown as having adjacent panels 28a"and 28d", respectively, in the second row, clearly any of theintermediate panels in the first row 22" (e.g., 22c") may also oralternatively be provided with adjacent sections in the second row 28"(e.g., 28c"), as illustrated, preferably excepting the section on whichthe holder is disposed. The holder is preferably disposed onintermediate section 22b" (adjacent to end panel 22a" which receives theend cap) but may be alternatively disposed. The width of each strip 24"is, of course, appropriately adjusted to facilitate movement of theplurality of panels to the collapsed orientation.

In each of the three embodiments 10, 10', 10" described hereinabove, theholder 14 and end cap 16 are separate, the end cap 16 being disposed onan end panel 12 and the holder 14 being disposed on a panel next to anend panel (which may itself be an end panel in a two panel embodiment).Thus there is a significant limitation as to where the holder 14 and endcap 16 may be disposed. Additionally, although for manufacturing economythe end cap 16 may be injection molded as a part of the holder 14 duringthe injection molding process, the end cap 16 must then be separatedfrom the holder 14 and separately assembled to the plurality of panelsby gluing. These additional operations increase the manufacturing costof product and, while the cost of the additional glue used to secure theend cap 16 to one of the panels 12 is minimal, the additional quantityof glue is undesirable since the preferred glue is a hot melt adhesivewhich can adversely affect the ease of recyclability of the package.Accordingly, the present invention further contemplates furtherembodiments of the present invention wherein the plastic end cap isdirectly pivotally secured to the plastic holder (rather than indirectlyvia a paperboard panel) so that the amount of glue used in the packageis reduced since there is no need to glue the end cap to a panel.Manufacturing flexibility is enhanced because the holder may now beplaced on an end panel of the package (regardless of the number ofpanels present in the package), and the manufacturing costs are reducedsince there is no need to separate the end cap and the holder and thenglue the end cap to one of the panels.

Referring now to FIG. 16, therein illustrated is a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention, generally designated 100, wherein the end cap isdirectly pivotally attached to the holder by a living hinge. Elements ofthe fourth embodiment corresponding in structure and function toelements of the first, second or third embodiments are identified bycorresponding numerals in the 100 series. Since the holder 114 will bedisposed on end panel 112a of the first row 122 there is no section 128aadjacent section 122a; on the other hand, there is a section 128b in thesecond row 128 adjacent the second section 122b. It will be appreciatedthat while a three panel embodiment is illustrated, fewer panels (as inthe fifth embodiment to be discussed below) or more panels may be used.Preferably the panel 112 on which the holder 114 is disposed defines anextension 208 beyond the end of the holder 114 so as to enable theextension 208 to wrap around and cover the back surface of the end cap116, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

While the open-top pocket for holding literature or a brochure isillustrated as being defined by panel 112b, clearly the same could bedefined instead by panel 112c or dispensed with entirely (in which casethe partial section 128b would typically be full sized and completelycover the opposing face of section 122b). Panel 112a is, of course,composed of only the single section 122a as that is the panel on whichthe holder 114 will be disposed.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 in particular, the holder 14 is disposed onan end panel (here, end panel 112a, but optionally end panel 112c). Whenthe plurality of panels is in a collapsed orientation as illustrated inFIGS. 19-20, the other end panel 112c and any intermediate panels (here,panel 112b) are disposed intermediate the end panel 112a bearing the endcap 116 and a portion 164 of the end cap 116. Unlike the sidewalls 50 ofthe holder 14, the sidewalls 150 of the holder 114 include a firstportion 152 which extends substantially above the plane of the holderbody for essentially the entire length of the holder 114 (there being nosidewall portion corresponding to portion 54) and the first portion 152defines engagement means, illustrated as an aperture 172 disposed abovethe plane of the end panel 112a, which functions to releasably engagecooperating engagement means disposed on the end cap 116. All portionsof the end panel sidewalls 118 are protected by the holder sidewalls150.

The plastic end cap 116 according to the fourth embodiment 100 is notdisposed on one of the paperboard panels (as in the previously describedembodiments 10, 10' 10"), but is rather directly pivotally secured tothe holder 114, and more particularly to the adjacent end 114a of theholder 114. (In other words, end cap 116 is disposed on the holder end114a remote from the intermediate panel 112b and end panel 112c asillustrated in FIG. 17.) The end cap 116 is secured to the holder end114a by a living hinge 200 and is of unitary, one-piece, integralconstruction with the holder 114, both being formed together in a singlemolding operation. The plastic utilized for the holder 114 and end cap116 (and, of course, living hinge 200) must be strong, yet substantiallyflexible when thin so as to be capable of forming a living hinge, andpolypropylene is preferred. The living hinge 200 extends substantiallythe entire width of the holder 114 between the sidewalls 150 thereof.The living hinge 200 is preferably formed as a line of reduced thicknessin the plastic intermediate holder 114 and end cap 116, with the facingportions of those elements adjacent the living hinge 200 preferablybeing beveled so as to enable a pivotal movement of the end cap 116through at least 90°. The end cap 116 is thus typically the same coloras the holder 114 and, unlike holder 14, devoid of any transparentportion.

End cap 116 is generally U-shaped and has a pair of upstanding opposedlateral sidewalls 160 and a connecting portion generally designated 201,connecting the same. The connecting portion 201 is "L-shaped incross-section and includes a bight portion 162 and an upstanding endwall 164 which is perpendicular to bight portion 162. The end wall 164is configured and dimensioned to serve as a latch and preferablyincludes a lip 202 on its free end to facilitate grasping of end cap 116and improve the leverage exertable thereon by a user. End cap 116 ispivotable about the living hinge 200 from a non-latching orientationwherein the bight portion 162 is in generally the same plane as theholder 114 and the end wall 164 is transverse thereto (as illustrated inFIGS. 16-18) and a latching orientation wherein the bight portion 162 issubstantially transverse to the plane of the holder 114 and the end wall164 is generally parallel thereto (as illustrated in FIGS. 19-20). Theend cap sidewalls 116 are connected directly to both bight portion 162and end wall 164, and each defines an engagement means 170, illustratedas an outwardly projecting lug, adapted to releasably engage thecooperating engagement means 172, illustrated as an aperture or recesson the holder sidewall 152.

As illustrated, end cap engaging means 170 are outwardly projecting lugson the outer surface of each end cap sidewall 160, and the holderengaging means 172 are apertures or recesses on each holder sidewall150, configured and dimensioned to receive and releasably retainprojecting lugs 170 therein, thereby to preclude accidental movement ofthe plurality of panels 112 out of the collapsed orientation. Clearly,however, the apertures 172 could be on the end cap sidewalls 160 and theprojecting lugs 170 could be on the holder sidewalls 150. Indeed, easilyreleasable engagement means other than an aperture-and-lug system may besubstituted.

In order to limit the pressure exerted by the end cap latch 164 on theholder 114, and thus on any compact discs disposed within the holderrecess 142, end cap 116 defines abutment means 180 in the form of a lugextending outwardly from each sidewall portion means 160 thereof, andeach holder sidewall 150 defines a fixed upper abutment surface which isadapted to engage a lug 180 and function as a stop to limit movement ofthe end cap 116 from its non-latching orientation beyond its latchingorientation. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the appropriatelybeveled surfaces of the holder 114 and end cap 116 about the livinghinge 200 may also limit the pressure exerted downwardly by the end caplatch 203 on holder 114.

The sidewalls 160 of the end cap 116 are spaced apart such that they arereadily received between the sidewalls 150 of the holder 114 as the endcap 116 is moved into the latching orientation, with the engagementmeans 170, 172 of the end cap 116 and the holder 114, respectively,releasably engaging. To enable easy pivotal movement of the end cap 116to the latching orientation, the holder sidewalls 150 about theengagement means 172 and adjacent the living hinge 200 are preferablyresiliently outwardly flexible so as to flexingly accommodate passage ofthe lugs 170 between holder sidewalls 150 until the lugs 170 seat in theapertures 172. Alternatively or addition thereto, the end cap sidewalls160 may be resiliently inwardly flexible.

As earlier mentioned, the panel 112a (formed of section 122a) preferablydefines an extension 208 at its free end, the extension 208 being gluedto the outer surface of bight portion 162 of the end cap 116. Theextension 208 serves as a spine for the embodiment 100 and is printedwith identifying information for the CD in the package 100. Preferablythe outer surface of end cap bight portion 162 defines a recess adaptedto receive the extension 208 therein so that the edges of extension 208are protected against dog-earing, fraying or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-25, therein illustrated is a fifth embodiment100' which is similar to the fourth embodiment 100 except that the endcap and the holder are connected by a pair of pin-and-hole hinges ratherthan a living hinge. Elements of the fifth embodiment corresponding instructure or function to elements of the fourth embodiment areidentified by corresponding numerals primed.

Referring now to FIG. 21 in particular, the blank used in the fifthembodiment 100' is substantially similar to the blank used in the fourthembodiment 100 except that, since the fifth embodiment 100' isillustrated as a two-panel embodiment, there is no panel correspondingto panel 112c (or the sections 122c and 128c from which panel 112c wouldbe formed. Clearly, however, the fifth embodiment 100' couldalternatively have a greater number of panels 112. Further, theextension 208 of panel 112a is glued not to the end cap (as in thefourth embodiment 100), but rather to the end 114a of the holder 114'adjacent the end cap 116'. While the extension 208 may be partially orwholly concealed by the end cap 116' when the plurality of panels is inthe open orientation, when the plurality of panels is in the closedorientation (as illustrated in FIGS. 24-25) the extension 208 is easilyvisible.

The holder 114' of the fifth embodiment 110' is in most respects similarto the holder 114 of the fourth embodiment 100, but the raised sidewallportions 152' thereof do not extend to the holder edge 114a' and therebyleave a sidewall portion 220 of the main holder body exposed. Disposedon each exposed holder sidewall portion 220 are engaging means 172',illustrated in the form of a recess or aperture adjacent the end of thefirst portion 152' of the holder sidewall 150', and a pin-receivingaperture or recess 302 adjacent the holder end wall 114a' and thus theend cap 116'.

The end cap 116' of the fifth embodiment 100' is generally similar tothe end cap 116 of the fourth embodiment 100, but differs in certaincritical respects. The end cap 116' is generally U-shaped and defines apair of upstanding sidewalls 160' and a connecting portion 201' whichconnects the same and serves as the end wall 164' (there being noportion corresponding to bight portion 162 of the fourth embodiment100). The end cap sidewalls 160' are further spaced apart so that theyare in the same planes as the holder sidewalls 150'. Each of the end capsidewalls 160' defines an inwardly projecting pin 304 (best seen in FIG.24) which is pivotably received within the holder aperture or recess 302to define a pin-and-aperture hinge. The two pin-and-aperture assemblies304, 302, one at each side of the holder 114', defines a pair of hingesenabling pivoting of the end cap 116' relative to the holder 114'between the unlatching orientation and the latching orientation. Whenthe package is in the closed orientation, the end cap sidewalls 160'extend to or almost to, the ends of the holder sidewall portions 152'(so as to cover the exposed holder sidewall portions 220) and cooperatetherewith in protecting sidewalls 118 of the panel 112b from dog-earing,fraying or the like.

While the living hinge 200 of the fourth embodiment 100 is illustratedas connecting the end cap 116 to the bottom of the holder 114 (that is,the portion of holder 120 closely adjacent to the panel 112a on which itis secured), alternatively the living hinge 200 may connect the end cap116 to the top of the holder 114. In substance, the living hinge 200would then directly connect the holder 114 and the upstanding end wall164 of end cap 116, with the end cap sidewalls 160 extendingtransversely to the upstanding end wall 164. In such a variant of thefourth embodiment 100, the holder 114 and end cap 116 would typically besimilar in structure to the corresponding elements 114', 116' of thefifth embodiment 100' except that living hinge 200 would be employedinstead of the pins 304 and apertures 302.

Indeed, in another variant of the fourth embodiment wherein the livinghinge connects the end cap 116 to the top of the holder 114 (rather thanthe bottom thereof), the sidewalls 160 of the end cap 116 may be closertogether than the sidewalls 150 of holder 114 and downwardly extendingslots may be provided in the upper surface of the holder 114 for receipttherein of the end cap sidewalls 160 when the end cap 116 is in thelatching orientation. An aperture on one side of each slot would receivethe projecting lugs of the end cap sidewalls in order to releasablymaintain the end cap 116 in the latched orientation.

Thus it will be appreciated that, depending upon the preferred variant,the sidewalls of the end cap may be disposed either within the sameplane as the sidewalls of the holder or closer to one another. Typicallythe sidewalls of the end cap should not be disposed outwardly of theplanes of the sidewalls of the holder as this increases the overall sizeof the packaging without a corresponding benefit.

To summarize, the present invention provides packaging for a compactdisc or the like which includes means for maintaining the packaging inthe collapsed orientation, and means to prevent dog-earing, fraying orlike destruction of the spines and the exposed sidewall edges of thepaperboard panels. The package is ecologically sound, since it may becomposed substantially of recycled and/or recyclable plastic andpaperboard, as well as being simple and economical to manufacture.

Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described in detail, various modifications and improvementsthereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to beconstrued broadly and limited only by the appended claims, and not bythe foregoing specification.

We claim:
 1. A storage package for a recording medium comprising:(A) aplurality of panels including, a pair of end panels said plurality ofpanels being movable between an open orientation enabling access to thecontents of the package and a collapsed orientation for storagepurposes, each of said plurality of panels having a pair of opposedlateral sidewalls; (B) a holder formed of plastic disposed on one ofsaid end panels for receiving and maintaining a recording mediumthereon, said holder having one end thereof remote from the other ofsaid end panels when said plurality of panels are in said openorientation; and (C) an end cap formed of plastic, one end of said endcap being directly pivotally secured to said one end of said holder,said end cap having a portion thereof spaced from said one end thereofadapted to releasably engage said holder at a portion thereof spacedfrom said one end of said holder when said plurality of panels is insaid collapsed orientation and to maintain said plurality of panels insaid collapsed orientation, thereby to preclude accidental movement ofsaid plurality of panels out of said collapsed orientation.
 2. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein said end cap is directly pivotally secured tosaid holder by a living hinge.
 3. The package of claim 2 wherein saidliving hinge extends substantially the entire width of said holder. 4.The package of claim 2 wherein said end cap and said holder are of aunitary, integral, one-piece construction formed in a single moldingoperation.
 5. The package of claim 2 wherein said plastic ispolypropylene.
 6. The package of claim 1 wherein said end cap isdirectly pivotally secured to said holder by a spaced pair ofpin-and-hole hinges.
 7. The package of claim 6 wherein each of saidhinges is disposed at an opposite side of said holder.
 8. The package ofclaim 6 wherein said end cap is generally U-shaped and has a pair ofupstanding opposed lateral sidewalls defining end cap engaging means anda connecting portion connecting the same, and said holder has agenerally planar and generally rectangular body and a pair of opposedlateral sidewalls defining engaging means adapted to engagecooperatively with said end cap engaging means.
 9. The package of claim6 wherein said end cap is a different color than said holder.
 10. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein said plurality of Panels is formed ofpaperboard.
 11. The package of claim 1 wherein said plurality of panelsin said open orientation has no panel overlying said panel on which saidholder is disposed, thereby enabling access to said holder and anyrecording medium thereon, and in said collapsed orientation has each ofsaid panels overlapping one another, thereby to provide a compactpackage for storage.
 12. The package of claim 1 wherein said end cap isgenerally U-shaped and has a pair of upstanding opposed lateralsidewalls defining end cap engaging means and a connecting portionconnecting the same, and said holder has a generally planar andgenerally rectangular holder body and a pair of opposed lateral holdersidewalls defining holder engaging means adapted to engage cooperativelywith said end cap engaging means.
 13. The package of claim 12 whereinsaid holder sidewalls extend upwardly above the plane of said holderbody for a major length thereof, said holder engaging means beingdisposed on the remainder of the length thereof.
 14. The package ofclaim 12 wherein said holder sidewalls extend downwardly below the planeof said holder body for substantially the entire length thereof.
 15. Thepackage of claim 12 wherein said holder sidewalls extend downwardlybelow the plane of said holder body at least the thickness of said panelon which said holder is disposed and, for the major length thereof,upwardly from the plane of said holder body at least the thickness ofthe remainder of said panels when said plurality of panels is in saidcollapsed orientation, thereby to overlap and protect the sidewalls ofsaid plurality of panels in said collapsed orientation.
 16. The packageof claim 12 wherein said holder sidewalls extend upwardly and downwardlyrelative to the plane of said holder body to cover both said sidewallsof said panel on which it is disposed and, in cooperation with saidsidewalls of said end cap, said sidewalls of the other of said panelswhen said plurality of panels is in said collapsed orientation.
 17. Thepackage of claim 12 wherein said end cap extends upwardly and downwardlysufficiently to overlap and protect adjacent portions of the opposedlateral sidewalls of said plurality of panels when said plurality ofpanels is in said collapsed orientation.
 18. The package of claim 12wherein each of said holder and said end cap defines abutment meansadapted to abut one another and limit relative movement in a givendirection, thereby to limit the pressure exertable by said end cap onsaid holder body.
 19. The package of claim 18 wherein said abutmentmeans are on said sidewalls of said holder and said end cap.
 20. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein said panels are non-plastic.
 21. The packageof claim 1 wherein said plurality of panels additionally include atleast one panel intermediate to and connecting said pair of end panels.22. A storage package for a recording medium comprising:(A) a pluralityof paperboard panels including a pair of end panels, said plurality ofpanels being movable between an open orientation enabling access to thecontents of the package and a collapsed orientation for storagepurposes, each of said plurality of panels having a pair of opposedlateral sidewalls, said plurality of panels in said collapsedorientation defining at least one spine; (B) a holder formed of plasticand disposed on one of said end panels for receiving and maintaining arecording medium thereon, said holder having a generally planar andgenerally rectangular holder body and a pair of opposed lateral holdersidewalls defining engaging means; said holder sidewalls extendingdownwardly below the plane of said holder body at least the thickness ofsaid panel on which said holder is disposed and, for the major lengththereof, upwardly from the plane of said holder body at least thethickness of the remainder of said panels when said plurality of panelsis in the collapsed orientation, thereby to overlap and protect thesidewalls of said plurality of panels in the collapsed orientation, saidholder having one end thereof remote from the other of said end panelswhen said plurality of panels are in said open orientation; and (C) anend cap formed of plastic, one end of said end cap being directlypivotally secured to said one end of said holder, said end cap beinggenerally U-shaped and having a pair of upstanding opposed lateralsidewalls and a connecting portion connecting the same, said end capsidewalls defining engaging means adapted to engage cooperatively withsaid holder engaging means when said plurality of panels is in saidcollapsed orientation and to maintain said plurality of panels in saidcollapsed orientation, thereby to preclude accidental movement of saidplurality of panels out of said collapsed orientation, said end capextending upwardly and downwardly sufficiently to overlap and protectadjacent portions of the opposed lateral sidewalls of said plurality ofpanels when said plurality of panels is in said collapsed orientation,said holder sidewalls overlapping and protecting the sidewalls of saidpanels not covered by said end cap when said plurality of panels is insaid collapsed orientation; said plurality of panels in said openorientation having no panel overlying said panel on which said holder isdisposed, thereby enabling access to said holder and any compact discthereon, and in said collapsed orientation having each of said panelsoverlapping one another, thereby to, provide a compact package forstorage.
 23. The package of claim 22 wherein each of said holder andsaid end cap defines abutment means on said sidewalls thereof adapted toabut one another and limit relative movement in a given direction,thereby to limit the pressure exerted by said end cap on said holderbody.